Unbound and Unharmed

Here's a thought. I'm sitting at work, and a question comes to mind. What is worst feeling? My answer? Hopelessness. A following question. What is the best? Answer? The unfathomable, uncontainable feeling of being loved by God. Now, the revelation that smacked me across the face. Everything is not alright with my life, but when that feeling comes across me -as it occasionally does- IT DOES NOT MATTER. Because the Lord is with me, I can walk around in my fiery furnace unbound and unharmed! (Dan 3) (Oh yeah! The best thing about God's love for us? It's unconditional and present whether we 'feel' it or not.) via iPhone

Favor Is Fair!

            The saying ‘favor isn’t fair’, irritates me so much. 

In regards to favor from God, to say so is to imply that God isn’t fair or just.  And surely we know better.  What the statement references is grace specifically, which is defined as unmerited divine assistance given to humans for their regeneration or sanctification (m-w.com).  But the thing about ‘favor ain’t fair’ is that it could mislead those who don’t know better. 

fair - adj. 6.a. marked by impartiality and honesty;  free from self-interest, prejudice or favoritism <a very fair person to do business with>; just; unbiased

favor - n. 1.a. friendly regard shown toward another, especially by a superior

favoritism - n. 1. The showing of special favor; partiality     (m-w.com)

Peter said in Acts 10:34-35, ‘I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right.’  And if we are to be godly, we aren’t to show favoritism either (Jas 2:1,8-9,13; Ex 23:3; Job 34:16-19; Ro 2:11; Col 3:25; 1Tim 5:21; 1Pe 1:17).  God doesn’t favor individuals because of their station in life, their nationality or their material possessions, or any other worldly, passing trait.  For God -or us- to discriminate based on these factors would mean judging with ill intent, and goes against the law of love (Jas 2:4; Mt 22:37-40; 1Jn 4:8).  God used whoever he wanted to spread his message and show himself to be a respecter of no particular person:  youth, women, blind, sick, thieves, prostitutes, the dead, etc. (1Sam 17:42-51; Jn 4:1-42; Jn 9; Mk 1:40-45; Lk 23:32-43; Jos 2; Jn 11:38-44).  God does, however, respect character and judge work (NIV study Bible note on Ac 10:34)(Isa 64:5; Eph 2:8-9; Ro 10:9). 

As far as I know, favor from God is dependent on two criteria: 

Based on scripture, favor is shown to those who have met a certain requirement.  God responds to what we do, not who we are (1Sa 2:30).  And based on experience and observation, the previously mentioned grace may also be granted based on what a person is to become, regardless to what they currently are. (Pr 3:34; Isa 26:10.) 

Ez 33:12-16 warns the righteous not to rely on their righteousness and encourages the wicked to become righteous; this Old Testament text does not refer to redemption through Christ, but does affirm that one who turns from their evil ways can live, just as the Word states that (unrepented) sin results in death (Ro 6:23; 10:9) 

How God balances grace, mercy, blessings, and judgment in the right measure at the right time is something man cannot even fathom, because He operates in the divine wisdom of a being that has all knowledge.  His knowledge isn’t limited by perspective because He’s infinite and omniscient (1Ki 8:22-27; Heb 4:13).  He always has been, and always will be everywhere at all times.  He isn’t hindered by corruption because he’s absolutely just, holy, and right, and has need of nothing (Dt 10:17). 

Out of all of our confusion, we should understand that whatever God says, is.  He said, ‘Let there be light’, and there was (Ge 1:3).  He says, ‘Let Mr. Jones be blessed’, and although I don’t deserve it, I am!  My worthiness ceases to be an issue once God has made His decision.  (One might argue that a person’s ‘blessings’ serve as validation.  But we cannot be deceived by what may appear to be a blessing though.  It would be wise to discern whether a person has been blessed by God for doing things His way or has succeeded in their own way [Ps 37:7].)